New York Yankees Prospects Dellin Betances, Manuel Benuelos Not in Rotation Mix

Brian Cashman told me today that neither Dellin Betances nor Manuel Banuelos have a shot to make the Yankees’ rotation, as both are ticketed for Double-A Trenton when the season opens.

“Betances and Banuelos aren’t earning spots in the rotation out of spring training,” Cashman said. “They’re going to get their first taste of big-league camp, then they’re going to get slotted into Trenton. They have no chance to make this team.

“The other guys are all competing for anything,” Cashman said. “They’re more advanced, they have more experience and they’re in a better position. Betances and Banuelos may help us down the line, but they’re not coming to camp here to help us now or solve any problems. They’re not advanced enough to be in a position to do that.”

This is expected. Betances will be 23 in March and has only thrown 14.1 innings at the Double-A level and Banuelos will be 20 in March and has just thrown 15.1 innings at Double-A. Neither pitcher is ready for the big leagues. Not now and possibly not even a year from now.

In terms of stuff, these pitchers have prime spots on most prospect charts for a good reason. They are advanced pitchers at this point in their careers, but more than just pitching they just haven’t thrown enough innings in the minor leagues. A combined 29.2 innings at the Double-A level does not translate to the major leagues. On top of that Betances is coming off of elbow surgery and has never thrown more than 121.2 innings in one season. He was limited to just 85.1 innings last year. He needs to log at least 120-150 innings this year to be ready for a full season in the majors.

The same could be said of Banuelos. He isn’t coming off of an elbow surgery, but the most innings he ever threw was just 109 back in 2009 and he threw just 64.2 last season. He’s not physically ready for a full season in a major league rotation.

With both pitchers in the same boat, they will start the season in Double-A where hopefully they can pitch full, productive seasons and be ready to compete for a job in 2012.